energysustainabilityequipment
Should splash pads use electric or gas water heating?
Quick answer
For shoulder-season heated pads, heat-pump electric heaters are usually best — 3-5x more efficient than electric resistance and lower carbon than gas if grid is decarbonizing. Gas works where electric capacity is limited or rates are very high. Solar pre-heat reduces both options' load.
Heated splash pads operating in shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October in temperate climates) need water heating to keep play comfortable. Three options: electric resistance heaters (cheapest install, highest operating cost, 100% efficient at point-of-use but high source-energy load), heat-pump electric heaters (3-5x more efficient than resistance, $3K-$8K higher install cost, payback 2-5 years), and natural gas heaters (mid-range install, mid-range operating cost, fossil fuel emissions). Heat-pump electric is usually the best long-term choice as the electric grid decarbonizes — operating emissions drop year over year. Gas heating works where electrical service is constrained, electric rates are very high, or natural gas is heavily subsidized. Solar pre-heating reduces load on either option by 50-80% in shoulder seasons. Insulated surge tank covers retain heat overnight. Smart scheduling pre-heats during off-peak rate hours.